Irresistible Cheesy Baked Potato Cups Recipe for Cozy Nights

Potato cups bursting with cheesy goodness offer a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Imagine crispy potato shells cradling a molten center of melted cheese and savory ingredients.

These bite-sized delights combine the best textures and flavors in one irresistible package.

Small enough to be a perfect appetizer yet substantial enough to satisfy serious hunger, these cups blend crisp exteriors with creamy interiors.

Crafting these potato cups requires minimal effort but promises maximum flavor impact.

Each morsel delivers a rich, golden-brown experience that will make mouths water.

You can want to serve these immediately while the cheese is still gloriously gooey and the potato shells maintain their perfect crunch.

Explore this simple yet spectacular recipe that elevates ordinary potatoes into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Potato Cup Variations to Try

• Bacon Bliss Cups: Crisp and crumble bacon into the potato mixture for a savory, smoky flavor that elevates the classic recipe.
• Herb Garden Cups: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like chives, parsley, and dill to add a bright, aromatic dimension to the potato cups.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cups: Dice fresh jalapeños and fold them into the mixture, creating a zesty and bold version with a kick of heat.
• Mediterranean Fusion Cups: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped fresh basil for a Mediterranean-inspired potato cup experience.

Cheesy Baked Potato Cup FAQs

• Can I make these potato cups ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the mixture and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply fill the muffin tin and bake as directed.

• What cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is ideal, but you can also use monterey jack, gruyere, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles. Sharp cheddar provides the most robust taste.

• How do I know when the potato cups are fully baked?

Look for golden brown tops and firm edges. They should be slightly crispy on the outside and soft inside. When you insert a toothpick, it should come out clean with no wet batter.

• Can I freeze these potato cups?

Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap them individually in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

What You’ll Love About Cheesy Baked Potato Cups

• Transform ordinary mashed potatoes into crispy, golden potato cups that deliver a delightful twist on classic comfort cuisine.
• Packed with melted cheddar and green onions, these potato cups burst with rich, savory flavors that tantalize taste buds and satisfy hunger.
• Perfect for busy families, these make-ahead potato cups can be prepared in advance, baked quickly, and serve as a versatile side dish or standalone snack that impresses with minimal effort.
• Crispy exterior meets creamy interior, creating an irresistible combination of crunchy edges and smooth, cheesy potato goodness that appeals to all ages.

What You Need for Cheesy Baked Potato Cups

Main Ingredients:

• Mashed Potatoes: Soft, creamy foundation of the dish, best when homemade or left at room temperature.
• Milk, Eggs: Smooth binding agents that help create a fluffy texture.
• Butter, Sour Cream: Rich ingredients that add moisture and depth of flavor.

• Cheddar Cheese, Green Onions: Sharp cheese and fresh onion provide bold, complementary taste profiles.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder: Dry components that help the potato cups maintain shape and create light, airy texture.

How to Prepare Cheesy Baked Potato Cups

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Potato Base

• Mashed potatoes
• Milk
• Eggs

Stir until everything is smooth and well combined. Add melted butter, sour cream, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Step 2: Boost Flavor Profile

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions

Fold these ingredients gently into the potato mixture, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

Step 3: Create Magical Binding Powder

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder

Slowly incorporate this dry mixture into your potato blend, stirring until you’ve got a silky-smooth consistency.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Vessel

Crank up your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 12-cup muffin tin and brush each cup with melted butter. This prevents any sticky situations and adds a golden crispness.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Use a 1/4-cup measuring cup to transfer the potato mixture into each muffin cup. Distribute any extra batter evenly. Slide the tin into the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops turn a beautiful golden brown and feel set when touched.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the potato cups rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to remove from the tin.

Baking Tips for Cheesy Baked Potato Cups

• Chill Potatoes Perfectly: Let mashed potatoes cool completely before mixing to prevent egg scrambling and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
• Master Even Distribution: Use a gentle folding technique when adding cheese and green onions to create consistent flavor in every bite.
• Prevent Sticking Hack: Generously brush muffin tin with melted butter, covering every surface to guarantee easy potato cup removal.
• Achieve Golden Perfection: Watch for rich, golden-brown tops during baking, which signal the ideal crispy exterior and creamy interior.
• Smooth Mixture Magic: Whisk flour and baking powder separately, then slowly incorporate into wet ingredients to eliminate potential lumpy textures.

How to Reheat and Store Baked Potato Cups Properly

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled potato cups to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat in Oven: Warm at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispy edges and restore original texture.
• Microwave Option: Heat for 30-45 seconds on medium power, watching carefully to prevent drying out.

What Complements Cheesy Baked Potato Cups

• Savor Savory Sausage Sidekick: Pair these cheesy potato cups with crispy breakfast sausage links or spicy Italian sausage for a hearty morning meal that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Elevate with Herb-Infused Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with fresh herbs like parsley and chives, dressed in a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the rich, creamy potato cups.
• Match with Refreshing Morning Brew: Complement the cheesy potatoes with a bold cup of black coffee or a tangy bloody mary for a perfect breakfast or brunch combination that balances the dish's richness.
• Garnish with Tangy Sour Cream Dollop: Top each potato cup with a generous spoonful of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt to add a creamy contrast and brighten the overall flavor profile.

Cheesy Baked Potato Cups Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Crispy golden cheesy baked potato cups deliver comfort in each delightful bite. Potato lovers will savor these irresistible miniature treats that combine creamy cheese and perfectly seasoned potatoes for an effortless crowd-pleasing appetizer.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups mashed potatoes, at room temperature
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 large eggs

Flour and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5–0.75 teaspoon salt, to taste
• Freshly ground pepper

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 0.25 cup milk
• 2–3 tablespoons butter, melted, plus more for brushing the pan
• 0.25 cup sour cream (or substitute with plain yogurt, additional milk, or light cream)
• 0.33 cup diced green onion (optional)

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Instructions

1. Ensure mashed potatoes have cooled to room temperature to prevent premature egg cooking when blending ingredients.
2. Create a smooth potato base by whisking together mashed potatoes, milk, and eggs until thoroughly incorporated.
3. Introduce melted butter, sour cream, and seasonings, stirring to develop a rich, creamy texture with balanced flavor profiles.
4. Gently fold shredded cheddar cheese and finely chopped green onions into the potato mixture, distributing evenly throughout.
5. Prepare a dry ingredient blend by combining flour and baking powder, then gradually integrate into the potato mixture to maintain a silky, lump-free consistency.
6. Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by generously coating each cavity with melted butter to ensure effortless potato cup removal.
7. Portion the potato mixture into the prepared muffin tin, using a measuring cup to create uniform servings and filling each cup to the desired level.
8. Position the muffin tin in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake until the tops transform into a golden-brown, crispy exterior with a set interior, approximately 40-45 minutes.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the potato cups to rest briefly, enabling them to firm up and easily release from the tin.

Notes

• Potato Temperature Matters: Cool down freshly made mashed potatoes to room temperature to prevent eggs from prematurely cooking.
• Smooth Mixing Technique: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to create a lump-free, creamy potato base that ensures uniform texture and flavor.
• Cheese Distribution Tip: Fold cheddar and green onions evenly throughout the mixture for consistent taste in every bite.
• Butter-Coating Trick: Generously brush muffin tin with melted butter to guarantee easy removal and crispy edges.
• Golden Brown Indicator: Bake until tops turn golden and set, which signals perfect doneness and crispy exterior.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These potato cups can be prepared in advance and reheated, making them convenient for meal planning and entertaining.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg